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Civil rights leader John Lewis's final message to the nation

July 30, 2020
Shortly before his death, Representative John Lewis wrote an essay to be published upon the day of his funeral: “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America."
· Jul 30

“I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me,” wrote Representative John Lewis, who penned this essay shortly before his death on July 17. We are publishing it today, on the day of his funeral.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
319 replies 9,412 retweets 19,134 likes
· Jul 30

John Lewis, civil rights icon, sent me an essay shortly before he died of cancer on July 17. He wanted to deliver a final message to the nation and asked that we publish it on the occasion of his funeral. Today is that day. (1/x)

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
102 replies 2,467 retweets 5,120 likes
· Jul 30

His aide read me an early draft over the phone, and I couldn't help tearing up, thinking of the grief I knew would soon arrive for those who loved him. We began to plan our editorial in appreciation of his life, written by the incredible . (2/x)

Opinion | John Lewis Risked His Life for Justice
His willingness to do so was essential to the quest for civil rights.
nytimes.com
7 replies 270 retweets 861 likes
· Jul 30

John spent his entire life fighting for justice and equality––and now he has left behind his marching orders for all of us.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
3,682 replies 25,205 retweets 129,957 likes
· Jul 30

The last word goes to you, Congressman. “Though I am gone, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.” John Lewis’ final op-ed to the country he loved.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
97 replies 3,165 retweets 10,616 likes
· Jul 30

Every word of this ❤️❤️❤️. We love you, Congressman Lewis. And we’ll do our best to honor your service and sacrifice with our own.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
731 replies 12,737 retweets 91,220 likes
· Jul 30

John Lewis asked The NYT to publish this on the day of his funeral. It is necessary reading. He writes, “When you see something that is not right, you must say something ... Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
842 replies 26,678 retweets 75,201 likes
· Jul 30

At some point today: stop. read this. Beautiful, powerful by John Lewis to be published on day of his funeral. He wrote it for you “we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice...each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
19 replies 321 retweets 731 likes
· Jul 30

“In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.” Read ⁦⁩’ farewell, and final call to action:

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
4 replies 126 retweets 329 likes
· Jul 30

“Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
210 replies 1,238 retweets 8,009 likes
· Jul 30

“So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.” Beautiful departing summons to the nation from Rep. John Lewis as he is laid to rest today

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
28 replies 371 retweets 1,495 likes
· Jul 30

John Lewis writes: "Emmett Till was my George Floyd... I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me." Emmett Till, lynched at 14, was one year younger than Lewis. He would have turned 79 last Saturday.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
11 replies 350 retweets 993 likes
· Jul 30

Even after his passing, John Lewis reminds us that the most powerful symbol of what it means to be an American is what we do with the time we have to make real the promise of our nation. May his words guide us as we march on toward November.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
847 replies 7,510 retweets 37,906 likes
· Jul 30

Last words of John Lewis, published today. “Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
33 retweets 97 likes
· Jul 30

John Lewis wrote this essay shortly before his death. This sentence particularity resonated with me: "Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others"

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
2 replies 42 retweets 131 likes
· Jul 30

In his final days, John Lewis wrote an essay to tend to us after he was gone. Of course he did.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
50 replies 1,241 retweets 5,850 likes
· Jul 30

Powerful!!! Hope everyone reads this today. Rest In Peace John Lewis. We all must work to honor your legacy. 🙏🏾✊🏾👑

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
611 replies 4,056 retweets 27,839 likes
· Jul 30

John Robert Lewis wrote a final essay to America: “Though I am gone, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.” Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
1 reply 31 retweets 75 likes
· Jul 30

Wow: wrote this oped to be published on the day of his funeral. “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
44 replies 1,491 retweets 3,743 likes
· Jul 31

In his final words, John Lewis challenges all of us to continue to stand up for what we truly believe. “Together, you can redeem the soul of our nation.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
550 retweets 4,311 likes
· Jul 30

Take a moment to read this breathtaking final essay from Representative John Lewis, the man who taught us how to make . “Though I am gone, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
170 replies 518 retweets 2,341 likes
· Jul 30

John Lewis brought so much light, so much love, and so much purpose into this world. His beautiful, loving spirit will inspire generations yet unborn. Please read his final words, take them to heart, and march on towards justice.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
48 replies 409 retweets 2,725 likes
· Jul 30

What he said.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
5 replies 34 retweets 260 likes
· Jul 30

“Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.” — Rep. John Lewis

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
55 replies 114 retweets 685 likes
· Jul 30

This—not Trump’s diversionary election delay ploy—is the most imp. thing to read today (or any day). “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
13 replies 284 retweets 853 likes
· Jul 30

John Lewis’ final words remind us of who he always was: a warrior for the oppressed. A patriot. “When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act.” Act. Show up in November.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
70 replies 673 retweets 2,537 likes
· Jul 30

We must complete the unfinished work of John Lewis. Our most effective tool in this endeavor - that must be used and must be protected at all costs - is the right to vote. Honor him, and his life’s work, by joining in the struggle to redeem our democracy.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
33 replies 739 retweets 2,731 likes
· Jul 30

I’m blown away by your words, Congressman Lewis. Thank you for paving the way for us. We honor you by continuing your fight ✊🏾❤️

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
16 replies 211 retweets 1,946 likes
· Jul 30

“Though I am gone, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
170 replies 371 retweets 2,249 likes
· Jul 30

Two days before he died penned an op-ed for the that he asked them to run the day of his funeral. His dying wish and final message to America was for us to "redeem the soul of our nation." Please read!

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
28 replies 474 retweets 1,410 likes
· Jul 30

"Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe." Rest in Power John Lewis.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
131 replies 452 retweets 3,795 likes
· Jul 30

“I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me.” John Lewis never stopped marching. And today, young people nationwide are rising up to march for justice and equality. His memory and legacy lives on in every one of them.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
93 replies 239 retweets 1,166 likes
· Jul 30

“When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
72 replies 560 retweets 3,079 likes
· Jul 30

John Lewis left us some final marching orders. Let’s carry them with us into November and beyond.

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
186 replies 1,749 retweets 8,159 likes
· Jul 30

As he is laid to rest today, please read the final message from Congressman John Lewis to our country. “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America.”

Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
nytimes.com
50 replies 614 retweets 1,904 likes
· Jul 30

We've included more on Rep. John Lewis and his legacy in our Opinion Today newsletter, which I hope you'll read. Ensuring that all Americans can exercise the right to vote was Lewis’s lifelong work. It’s up to the nation to finish it. -30-

Opinion | ‘Democracy Is Not a State. It Is an Act.’
Representative John Lewis’s final words.
nytimes.com
9 replies 116 retweets 410 likes

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